The rise and fall of Arne Slot has paved the way for talks to gather pace between Liverpool and former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, with the Spaniard now appearing next in line for the Anfield hot seat. It would represent a major change of scenery from the south coast, with the 43-year-old potentially stepping into one of football's biggest pressure cookers at a club where silverware is demanded.
That expectation, however, appears to cut both ways. Iraola has reportedly requested five new signings should he arrive this summer, while four current squad members could also find themselves on the chopping block as Liverpool look to balance the books and tailor a squad fit for his renowned intensity.
After FSG shattered the British transfer fee record twice in less than 12 months, the funds are clearly there to hand their prospective new manager a sizeable war chest. What lurks just around the corner for the Reds, then, is another busy transfer period.
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Thanks to securing Champions League football with a fifth-place finish, it had initially been suggested that Slot's position at Anfield was safe. However, a combination of flat performances and growing frustration in the stands ultimately left the owners with little room to manoeuvre, forcing their hand ahead of another changing of the guard.
With Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all departing on free transfers, Liverpool are crying out for reinforcements this summer. According to ESPN, signing an elite winger is high on the club's list of priorities, with RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola both under consideration.
Closer to home, the Reds could also turn their attention to West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen after the Hammers suffered relegation from the Premier League on the final day. Meanwhile, midfield is another area in need of attention, and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is understood to be a player of interest, with his energetic, front-footed style appearing tailor-made for Iraola's approach.
Liverpool are also admirers of Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries, who could finally provide a dependable solution at right-back, with his £21.6 million release clause making a deal more than plausible. Both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong spent lengthy spells on the sidelines during the 2025/26 campaign, leaving the club eager to avoid being caught short in the position they shoehorned Curits Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai in again.
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Liverpool's Federico Chiesa during the warm up before facing Barnsley
In terms of outgoings, Alisson Becker and Curtis Jones are both attracting interest from Italy, with Juventus and Inter Milan reportedly monitoring their situations. Federico Chiesa is also expected to head back to his native country.
While Jones and Chiesa have largely become peripheral figures in a squad that has arguably outgrown them, the potential departure of Alisson would force Liverpool into a major decision: continue placing their faith in Giorgi Mamardashvili or enter the market for a new No. 1.
alisson
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Liverpool's 2025/26 Squad Ranked
Liverpool's 2025/26 squad has been ranked ahead of the summer transfer window, and many players could face uncertain futures.
Joe Gomez's future is also far from certain heading into the summer window, although reports suggest the England international could see out the final year of his contract before moving on next summer. Meanwhile, the other player whose future has come under scrutiny is Cody Gakpo.
Much of that discussion has been driven by sections of the Anfield faithful, who feel his more measured and predictable style of play may not fit Iraola's high-octane approach. As a result, excitement is beginning to build around highly rated youngster Rio Ngumoha, who is increasingly being tipped for a more prominent role.